Terrorists suspected to be members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have ambushed a Nigerian Army convoy in northeastern Nigeria, killing several soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), according to local reports.
The attackers reportedly abducted a serving Brigade Commander along with other military personnel in what appears to have been a highly organized and coordinated strike. If confirmed, this would mark the first time an extremist group in Nigeria has successfully captured a serving General directly from the frontline.
The convoy, traveling through a volatile area known for frequent insurgent activity, was said to have been targeted deliberately by the militants, who were armed and prepared for the attack. Witnesses described scenes of chaos and panic as soldiers and CJTF members tried to repel the insurgents. The full scale of casualties is still unclear.
At the time of filing this report, the Nigerian Army had not released an official statement on the incident or confirmed the status of the abducted officer. Security analysts say the development underscores the increasing boldness of insurgent groups in northeastern Nigeria and their growing capacity to challenge the military directly.
The ambush comes amid a worrying rise in terrorist activity in the northeast, particularly in Borno State, which remains the epicenter of insurgency in the region. Over the past few months, both Boko Haram and ISWAP have intensified attacks on military formations, local villages, and civilian targets, often resulting in high casualties.
Reports indicate that the victims of this latest attack include soldiers assigned to frontline duties and members of the CJTF, a volunteer security group that works closely with the military to protect communities. The loss of life and abduction of a high-ranking officer are expected to have a serious impact on troop morale.
Local communities have continued to express fear and concern over the rising insecurity. Farmers, traders, and residents in affected areas are increasingly unable to go about their daily activities without the constant threat of attack. Observers note that the insurgents’ ability to strike military convoys points to weaknesses in intelligence gathering and logistical support in high-risk areas.
The ambush has drawn condemnation from political leaders, including Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South. The senator recently described the renewed wave of attacks in his constituency as “deeply worrisome” and “unacceptable.”
In a statement on Thursday, Ndume recalled a recent incident in Kwam village, near the Dille community in Askira-Uba Local Government Area, where four farmers were reportedly murdered by Boko Haram insurgents while working on their farms. The killings, he said, highlight the persistent threat to rural communities, who often live under constant fear of insurgent raids.
The senator urged the federal and state governments to strengthen military operations, improve intelligence gathering, and provide better protection for civilians. “The people of Borno deserve to live and farm in peace,” he said, adding that security forces must take urgent action to prevent further loss of life.
Borno State remains a flashpoint in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism. The abduction of a serving Brigade Commander, if confirmed, would be a serious blow to the military and raise concerns about the safety of officers in frontline positions. Citizens and leaders alike are calling for swift action to rescue the abducted officer and restore a sense of security in the region.
